Cul De Sac

Walking down the country lane
I saw trees in flower all the way.
Gleaming gems among emerald leaves,
A medley of colors on fabulous display!

The path was carpeted with grass.
Thick bushes grew on either side.
The sun was mild and the air, pleasantly cool.
A quiet place where peace did abide.

I felt so thrilled sauntering alone,
Enjoying the serenity of the scene
I hoped it would extend long,
Taking me to terrains unseen

But to my perplexity I found the path a cul de sac 
Forcing me to take a different track.
It seemed as if travelled by none.
But I was determined not to turn my back.

No living soul could be spotted anywhere around.
The trees growing in clumps were wild and dull.
The path was strewn with pricking thorns and stones.
The place looked savage and morbidly still.

With every step my feet winced in pain.
But giving up halfway was not my choice.
Determined to reach the farther end,
I dragged forward obeying my inner voice! 

This is exactly how we feel sometimes in life
When the road you travel looks a cul- de- sac
When anxiety presses you down to the hilt
With persistence, move forward and never turn back!

Feb.13.2023

~ Placed First~

This or That, Vol.16. Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Edward Ibeh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
March 8, 2023 at 12:27 PM
Congratulations on this winning work for the contest. It is a good work and I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing. Sara
Poet Avatar
March 8, 2023 at 11:17 AM
Back with congratulations on your winning placement dear, Valsa. Wish you always the best.
Ibeh Avatar
March 6, 2023 at 7:44 AM
Congratulations on your first place win with this excellent poem, Valsa:-) Way to go!
George Avatar
March 6, 2023 at 8:24 PM
Thank you so much Edward. It has always been a pleasure for me taking part in your contests. Looking forward to more.
Pandit Avatar
March 4, 2023 at 6:37 AM
Back with BIG congrats on your TOP win my friend. So well deserved!
Alex Avatar
March 3, 2023 at 6:59 PM
Great moral with a solid personal situation imaginatively selected. Beautiful writing as usual. Congratulations!
Fowler Avatar
March 3, 2023 at 1:44 PM
Beautifully optimistic Valsa. Congratulations! :)
Kauffman Avatar
March 3, 2023 at 9:51 AM
"Move forward" indeed Valsa. Truly the path of life is always changing and always under construction and even when we plan our journey we never know when a "cul-de-sac" detour will appear. So wonderfully articulated. As always your images as you change the scenery stand out and are glorious! Congratulations on your first place win dear friend. Blessings for your footsteps and your journey of discovery!!
Poet Avatar
March 3, 2023 at 8:49 AM
Valsa, It's no surprise that Edward chose this poem to reflect the very best of the contest; my sincerest congratulations go out to you on your well-deserved win.
Wolf Avatar
February 15, 2023 at 6:41 PM
Interesting idea, that of a cul-de-sac as a barrier/challenge. Nicely penned, Valsa.
McBride  Avatar
February 13, 2023 at 4:17 PM
Amen, keep walking, listening to that spirit within which reveals all the deception on the path, that keeps many from their reward
Kauffman Avatar
February 13, 2023 at 11:19 AM
Never turn back, indeed, dear Valsa! What a delightful poem of a faithful pilgrim persistently and faithfully following a road to an unexpected outcome. The cadence of your words matches the rhythm of your footsteps. As always, uniquely creative images that take us on your journey! Best wishes for the contest! Blessings and hugs dear friend!
Pandit Avatar
February 13, 2023 at 5:51 AM
There is a splendid lesson on encounters we face in our journey. We struggle but don't turn back. Aptly done for the contest theme. Best to you, Valsa.
Poet Avatar
February 13, 2023 at 4:58 AM
Valsa, great metaphors. Your vibrant poetry suggests you're motivated to continue this quest. We may need to try many good paths to locate the hidden beauty. I often think of the brave adventurers of yesteryear who persevered against the odds. Good luck with the contest.
Buhagiar Avatar
February 13, 2023 at 1:40 AM
Dear Valsa, this a wonderful poem full of imagery and a determination to go on your way. Best for a win.
Daniel Avatar
February 13, 2023 at 12:13 AM
Quite a charming metaphorical write, Valsa:)
Cunningham Avatar
February 12, 2023 at 11:19 PM
Sometimes we have to leave the well trodden paths to discover the hidden beauty. So many turn around at the first hurdle, reminds me of the great explorers who never gave up and kept going. Good luck in the contest Valsa. Enjoy your week ahead. Tom
Volumes Avatar
February 12, 2023 at 10:28 PM
Bravo ! Valsa. So well done. Rhymed well. Story was so pleasant and enjoyable and BAM ! The whole vibrance (Terry Ireland says if Shakespeare can make up words so can we! So I am sticking with vibrance.) of the poem changed. The dismay that you experience was felt by the reader, and then determination set in, and you likened it to life in general. I am sure this is what the sponsor had in mind.
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